Dredger



(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Shee"t 1.

K.KNOTT.-

'DREDGER.

No. 366,010. Patented July 5, 1887.

N. PETERS Phnl0-L|lhognphen Washington D. C.

8 sheets-sheen 2. K, KNOTT.-

(No Model.)

DRBDGER.

N. PETERS. Pholrrlflhogmphnr. Washington, C,

-(No Model.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 3. Y K. KNOTT.

DRBDGBR.

Patented Ju1y 5 u. Pains. Pmwmmm Washington. ac.

8 Sheets-Sheet 4.

K. KNOTT.

(No Model.)

DREDGEB.

Patented July 5, 1887.

N PETERS, PhumLilhn m her, Wilshmgion, 0.0.

(NqMoiIeL) 8 Sheets-Sheet 5.

K. KNOTT..

DREDGER.

N0. 366,010. Patented Jul 5,1887. I

N. PETERS PhnloLIthogmphzr, Wnshinginn. n. c

\ I 1 Modem 8 Sheets-Sheet 6. 1 y K. KNOTT.

DRBDGER.

No. 366,010. Patented July 5, 1887.

N. PETERS. Fhuizrlilhngraphor, Wflshingwn. D C.

/ (No Mbdel.) s sheets sh'eet 7.

K KNOTT.

DREDGER.

Patented July 5,1887.

N. PETERS, Phnla-Lnnugrapher, Washington. D. C.

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheert 8.

K. KNOTT.

DREDGBR.

No. 366,010. Patented July 5, 1887.

N. PEIERS, Phom-Lnhn n lm, Wishington, D. c.

rrrc.

PATENT KENNARD KNOTT, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

DREDGER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 366,010, dated July 5, 188W,

I Appliea irn filed OctoberSl, 1885. Serial No. 181,475. (No model.)

In the drawings, Figure 1 is aside elevation' of the forward portion ofa dredging or ditchpig maclnne embodying my improvements. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the same. Fig. 3 is a top or plan view of the dredge or machine,

the same being broken away between the crane table and the stern of the scow. Fig. 4 is a side elevation ofso much of the machine as is illustrative of the brace'rods and their relation to the parts in connection with which they perform their chief functions. Fig. 5 is a dc tail, the same showing the means employed for preventing the buckets and bucket-chain from dragging during the ascent of the buckets.- Fig. 6 is a detail, the same being a plan View showing the mechanism for operating the crane-table and the feeders or pushers. Fig. 7 is a detail, the same being a side view of the upper sprocket-wheel, and also showing the sleeve through which the cranetimbers move. Fig. Sis an edge view of the same, showing a part of the boat or hull. Fig. 9 is a side view of the means employed to operate the feeders or pushers. Fig. 10 is a section on the plane of the line w :0 of Fig. 9,viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow there shown. Fig. 11 is a detail showing the means employed for throwing the bucket-chain in and out of gear or operative connection with its driving mechanism. Fig. 12 is a detail showing the steam joint or connection between the fixed or stationary part of the frame and the movable crane-table. Fig. 13 isa detail plan view of the hopper. Fig. 14 is a detail, the same showing a portion of the crane-table and its track. Fig. 15 is a sectional detail on the plane of the line :0 :0 of Fig. 14, viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow there shown. Fig. 16 is a detail, the same beinga plan view of a portion of the parts shown in Fig. 14.. Fig.1! is a detail of one of theguiding-shoes. Fig.18 is a section on the plane oft-he line at w of Fig. 17, viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow there shown. Fig. 19 is a detail of the lower end of the rudder or rear spud. Fig. 20 is a top view of the same. Fig. 21 is a detail of one of the dredgingbuckets. Fig. 22 is a section on the plane of the line y y of Fig. 21, viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow there shown. Fig. 23 is a detail, the same showing a modification of the means employed for attaching the buckets to the chain-bars. Fig. 24: is a detail, the same being a side view of the bucket-chain. Fig. 25 is a top view of the same. Fig. 26 is a section in the plane of the line y 9/ of Fig. 25, viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow there shown. Fig. 27 is a top or plan view of the lower bucketchain drum, and also showing the relation thereto of the bucket-chain guides. Fig. 28 is a side view of the parts shown in Fig. 27, and Fig. 29 is a detail plan view of a modification of the means employed for actuating the feeders or pushers.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts.

My invention has for its purpose the improvement in dredging and ditchingmachines in the several respects hereinafter set forth. First, I aim to provide means whereby the buckets shall always dump their contents at or near the same point; second, to provide improved means whereby the crane and cranetable may be swung to a right angle with the side of the hull or platform on which the said table is mounted; third, to provide improved means for propelling the machine forward, or for feeding it up to its work; fourth, to pro vide buckets of improved construction, rendering them light, strong, and durable; fifth, to so improve the construction of the bucketchains that they will not beliable to be injured at their joints by sand; sixth, to provide improved means for altering the swinging movement of the crane; seventh, to increase the floating capacity at the front of the hull; eighth, to provide means for raising and lowering the crane or bueketslide without necessarily putting the mud-drum more or less in or out from the hull; ninth, to provide means for counterbalancing the weight of the buckets and of their load. 4

The machine in the example shown is represented as mounted on a float or 11 all, in order to make it'capable of being worked in that manner when the nature of the work is such as to require a float or to render the use of a float preferable or expedient; but the principal parts of the machine may also be mounted upon a truck or platform arranged to move upon a, track.

A represents the hull, scow-boat, or float which carries the working'mechanism or maehinery.

I have made provision, as will be hereinafter more fully explained, for swinging the slide or crane which carries the buckets in such a manner that the buckets may pass down closely to the hull, and I make the bow of the hull half-circular in form, as is clearly indieated at a a in Fig. 3. B is the engine. To prevent the hull or float from arching up, I pass stay-rods b b about its bow and over uprights 0 0, Fig. 4, and secure the said rods to the rear end of the hull in any suitable way.

D is a brace supporting the side chutes, (to which latter parts reference will hereinafter be made,) and E is a tie-rod in connection with the rods b b. V ,F F are line knives or runners, which hold the hull in the direction desired.

(1 d, Fig. 18, are flanges on the runners F F, and these aid in keeping thehull level. These runners are fastened to the lower ends of timbers c c, passing between uprights 0 c, and may be adjusted and held at any height (according to the distance between the bottom of the hull. and the bottom of the ditch) by means of bolts 0 c, or in any suitable manner. The function of the runners F F is not only to keep the hull from tipping, but also to hold it in the line of work, and in the latter re spect they cooperate with'a rear rudder or spud, to which reference will hereinafter be made. I might here state that I do not regard the flanges d d as absolutely essential features of the runners F F.

G isthe rear runner or rudder, to which I have hereinbefore referred. This rudder hinges on a pin,e, passing horizontally through supports 6 e, the rudder being capable of a laterally-swinging movement and depending ordinarily or according to circumstances at an angle of about forty-five degrees from its supporting-pin.

H H are tie-rods fastened to the rear end of the hull, and also to the lower portion of the rudder G, and I I are turn-buckles connecting seetionsof the rods H H. By means of the parts I I the rudder G may be set either in a line with the longitudinal center of the hull, or somewhat to either side thereof, as may be necessary. The rudder G not only aids in directing the forward movement of the boat, but also, by having thereon a bottom flange or plate, g, Fig. 19, presenting a comparatively large surface to the bottom of the ditch, prevents a retrograde movement of the hull.

J J are feeders or pushers, one on each side of the scow, for pushing forward or propelling the hull. The upper ends of these pushers are hung to a carriage, K, provided with wheels ing over wheels or drums N and N.

or rollers 1 f f, riding on a track or way, L, bolted or secured to each side of the hull, re spectively.

M is a chain, rope, or cable (preferably a chain) connected to the carriage K, and pass- The wheels N N are rigidly mounted on a shaft, 0, upon which there is also a beveled or miter wheel, T, Fig. 6, and the wheels N N are loose, and are applied to the rear end of the hull.

Q is a shaft having thereon a beveled or miter gear, R, engaging the gear T.

SS are the main horizontal crane-tabletimbers. These timbers are connected to each other and turn pivotally around astud or center post, S. These timbers carry or support all of the working parts of the crane-table and crane and such auxiliary frame-work as may be necessary to mount the working parts. The

engine B, I arrange upon the crane-table, thus has some novel features of construction which 9 5 is beveled in both directions, or in the form of an inverted V, as shown.

B B are rollers attached to the main horizontal crane-table timbers. These rollers have V-shaped perimeters to correspond to the beveled form of the ridge or track A, and they I travel on the said ridge or track as the crane is swung from side to side.

0 is a shaft (which I term the rack-shaft) turning in bearings D D, vertically movable between guides 61 d, depending from and made fast to a cross-bar, E, as shown. On the lower or forward end of the shaft 0 is a pinion, F, arranged to engage the rack U. This pinion can be changed for one of a different size, to cause the crane to be swung faster or slower, according to thekind, quality, or condition of earth being dug. This change may be made with facility, as the shaft 0 has a bearing in a yoke, I, (see Fig. 6,) supported on a shaft, G, and also has'a bearing in the part D, the lower end of which is capable of swinging vertically in a circle having the said shaft G for a center.

G and H are shafts turning in suitable bearings, and Iis a yoke which is supported on the shaft G. The upper end of the shaft 0 turns in the yoke 1 and has there a beveled having on its ends the projections i 'i/and the said pinions having on their inner sides the projections j 7'. Any form of clutch may be employed; but I prefer an ordinary forked clutch.

M is a lever for working the clutch l".

O is a spur-gear rigidly applied to the shaft G, and P is a spur-gear loose on the shaft II.

Q is a clutch-sleeve working on a feather on the shaft H and engaging the gear P, and R is a lever for working the said clutch.

S is a miter or bevel gear keyed to the shaft H.

T and. U are beveled gears keyed on a vertical shaft, 6, turning in suitable bearings. The gear T engages the gear S and the gear U engages the gear A, keyed on the shaft Q. \Vhen the double clutch between the gears T T, Fig. 29, is moved by the lever R and caused to alternately engage in said gears, respectively, the shaft 0 is rotated in one or another direction, according to that in which thelever is moved, the sprocket chains or belts M, Fig. 9, are actuated, and by these means the feeders or pushers J J may be drawn back and forward to propel the boat.

B is a horizontal shaft, called the tumbler-shaft, mounted in boxes upon vertical beams D D, mounted upon the crane-beams S, and C C are craneslceves loosely mounted on it.

D D" are the main timbers of the crane proper, or of the bucketslide, and these timbers pass freely through the sleeves C O",un-

less clamped or held by set-screws K K and have made provision, however, for clamping the crane-timbers D rigidly in thesleeves G C, so as to prevent the rip-pull from raising the crane after it has once been properly set.

or adjusted. To accomplish this result, I arrange plates J J, Fig. 8, in the boxes 0 O, and I employ screws K K,whi -li'turn in the said boxes, for the purpose of forcing the said plates firmly against the crane timbers.

L is the bucket-chain. This chain consists oflinks m and a. (See Figs. 24, 25, and 26.) The links at m consist of a single bar having heads or pieces somewhat wider than the main part of the bar, and these heads are bored to receive a rivet or bolt, 0. This opening, however, is farther from the outer end of the head or enlarged part of the link than from the inner end thereof, thus having the heavier or thickest part of the head at the extreme end of the link, as indicated at 7, Figs. 2-i and 25. The purpose of having the larger amount of metal at the ends of the links in m'is to make provision for the wear of those links against the sprockets on which they run. The links a a consist of two bars, each turning at their ends on the ends of the rivets or pintles 0 0, as will clearly appear on reference to Fig. 25. A number of these links are arranged together and form an endless chain, which runs over a sprocket-wheel, M, keyed to the shaft 13.

N is a drum at the lower end of the crane, and over which the bucket-chain runs. This drum has a varying diametcrthat is, the ends of the drum have the greatest diameter, as shown at a a, Fig. 27, and next thereto are portions a c having smaller diameters, and between the parts a a is the smallest diameter of thedrum l). The purpose of constructing this drum in the manner described will be hereinafter explained.

O 0 Figs. 27 and 28, are idle-wheels turning in bearings attached to the main timbers D D, and one of the important features in having the idle-wheels O" O, for holding the chain L L on the drum N, is that I do not need a flange on the drum N,which is usually employed for that purpose. These idle-wheels 0" O besides holding the chain on the drum N, also guide the chain and prevent the same from running off of the drum while the buckets are at work in co operation with the idle wheels 0 0, which I have shown mounted on the crane-table S; but I do not here intend to restrict myself in placing them there, as they can also be placed on the back side of the timbers D D.

P P are the buckets, which I make completely of two pieces, one piece forming the bottom and rear end and the other piece form ing the top and sides, and the front and open end of the bucket I provide with projecting cutters q g, which are attached by riveting or otherwise to the inner sides of the buckets.

The purpose of applying the cutters tothe inner sides of the buckets is to prevent the earth from sticking or clinging to the latter when the buckets should discharge the earth. This free discharge of earth follows for the reason that the cutters, being arranged within the buckets, cut a body of earth narrower than the buckets, (measuring the latter from one inner side to the other,) and consequently the earth is not as firmly packed within the buckets as it would otherwise be.

0' 7' are depending flanges or downward extensions of the sides and bottom of the buckets, and s s are the bucketbars passing through openings in these flanges, each bucket being mounted on two of said bars, as indicated in Fig. 22. In order to allow the buckets to have some play or independent movement while the chain passes over the sprockets and other wheels, I elongate one of the openings,through which one of the rods 3 spasses, as shown at t, Fig. 22, thus allowing for the take-up of the chain while moving over the wheels. A modification of this elongated bearing or opening is indicated in Fig. 23, wherein I have shown a slotted bar or loop, 25, attached directly to the bottom of the bucket, it being understood that one or more ofsuch loops are attached to each bucket, for the purposes referred to. The ends of the rods 8 8 project into correspondingly-formed openings, au, in the links of the chain L L, and there may be one or more links interposed between each bucket. The buckets are thus firmly connected to their chain, and yet have sufficient play or independent movement to allow the chain to pass over its wheels freely' without interference from the buckets. The purpose of constructing the drum N in the manner shown will now be perceived, for the bucket-chain is allowed to run freely over the said drum bearing upon the portion a, and the buckets themselves have their whole cutting-surfaces exposed or unobstructed, so as to perform the work of cutting out the earth along the entire cuttingsurface. On each end of the drum N are cutters N",that,when the earth should cave or fall inside ofthe line ofthe outer edge of the drum N, the cutters N" in co-operation with the buckets P P will clear the earth and allow the work to proceed as before.

0' Oare idle-wheels mounted on the cranetable .timbers, and so arranged as to serve as guides for the bucket-chain The idlewheels G G" project through the flooring E E,and the chain L bears thereon, thus pre venting any friction of the chain against the flooring. It is to be understood that two chains, L L, parallelly arranged, are employed in connection with the buckets, and that there is a sprocket-wheel, M, for each chain, and a corresponding number ofidle and anti-friction rollers.

Q, is a beveled gear on the shaft B.

R is an upright shaft, and S is a beveled pinion on its upper end and engaging the gear Q.

T is a beveled gear or pinion preferably on the central part of the shaft R,driven by gear 13 on shaft D, and U is also a beveled gear or pinion on the lower end of the said shaft, for working the feeding and swinging mechanism. jacent ends of which appear at a, Fig. 11.

A is a tubular extension or sleeve on the lower end of the upper section of the shaft B. This tubular extension is keyed to the said shaft, so as to be rotated therewith, as shown at a, Fig. 11. The upper end of the lower section 01' the shaft R enters the lower end of the extension A.

B is a forked clutch working on a feather on shaft B, so as to be rotated therewith, and G is a lever for operating the said clutch. The upper end of the clutch B and the lower end of the tubular extension A are adapted to engage each other, as indicated at a, so

The shaft It, I make in sections, the ad.

that the rotation of the lower section of the shaft B may thereby be effected by being in operative connection with the upper section thereof, and so that the upper section may be thrown out of working engagement with the lower sections whenever such disengagement may be desirable.

D is a horizontal shaft having thereon a beveled gear, 15, engaging the gear T.

F is a pulley on the shaft D, and G is a drivebelt passing over the said pulley and over the drive-wheel B, and a drive-wheel, H, on the drive-shaft 1' of the engine B. The pinion U engages the gear N, whereby the shaft G and the clutch K are rotated.

J is a receiving chute or hopper, which is inclined, as is clearly shown in Fig. 1. The forward end of this hopper is circular, as indicated in Fig. 13, and is so arranged with re:

lation to the sprocket-wheels M M that the buckets as they pass over the said wheels will dump their contents into the said chute, and as the crane turns on its center the contents discharged from the buckets will fall with certainty upon the forward or upper end of the chute, thus always dumping in the center line on which the crane-table revolves.

K K are lateral discharging troughs or chutes supported in an inclined position, and so arranged that their upper ends will receive the mud passing from the chute or hopper J These chutes or discharging-troughs are supported by stationary frame-work,which may be made in any way suited for the end for which it is intended, and I- have not, therefore, here shown and described the same with particularity. I may state that the bracebeams D D are inclined and arranged paral lelly, and are connected at their upper ends by means of cross-beam N, and from this cross-beam I suspend chains and rods 0 and 1, respectively, which support the chutes already referred to, and I tie or stay the beams D D by means of stay-rods E E, as before stated. The engine B, I set on the crane-table, and consequently the engine travels with,

it. The boilers (which I have not shown) are fixed and are located in another part of the boat.

To supply the engine with steam from the boilers, I proceed as follows: I is a steampipe leading from the boilers to a fixed box, R", arranged directly over. the center on which the platform Sturns, and secured to the frame-work of the chute J. S is a sleeve secured to the crane-table timbers and turning therewith. and S is a hollow shaft attached to the box It, and this shaft is entered by a pipe, S, turning therein, and which is in turn in connection with a steam-pipe, T, leading to the engine. It will be perceived on reference to Fig. 1 that the sprocket-wheels which carry the bucket-chain are arranged in front of a line, a, passing vertically through the center, on which the crane-table turns. By this means the discharging ends of the buckets, as the buckets discharge their contents,

are nearly over the center on which the cranetable turns. By this means the buckets will. always discharge their contents at or near the same place or point at whatever angle or position the crane-table may be set. By making the bow of the hull circular I increase the floating capacity of the hull or scow, for, as the hull projects at its forward end in a circle parallel to that in which the buckets and timbers D D swing when the crane-table turns on its center, I in no way impede the action of the buckets and cranetable, and the scow has a larger bulk at its forward end than heretofore, and consequently will stand or support a greater strain or load than if the hull were not rounded out at its forward end. By employing the feeders or pushers J J in the manner described the scow will be fed up to its work with facility and certainty; and the rudder G is employed in connection with the feeders or pushers J J only to hold the scow from bucket-chains when constructed as described are not liable to be injured at their joints by sand, and the buckets may be applied with facility by means of the bars 3 8. By employing the yoke I, I am enabled to employ pinions F F of different diameters, and thereby vary the speed of the swinging movement of the crane, and I am also able, by means of the clutch K and its lever and the wheels L, L, and J, to control or to stop and start the swinging movement of the crane-table with facility. I am also able, by means of the clutch Q and the gearing S" and T, P, A, and U, in conjunction with gear-wheels and beveled pinions It and T, to control the movement of the feeders or pushers J J. In Fig. 29 I have shown a modification of the means employed forthe latter purpose, the modification consisting in placing the clutch upon the shaft 0 in such a manner that it will engage first with one and thenwit-h another wheel upon the same shaft, the said wheels being both in constant engagement with the wheel R, but being loose upon the shaft 0, and the said clutch sliding on a feather on the shaft, so as to be rotated therewith, but capable of a sliding movement thereon. I am also enabled, by means of the sleeves G O, to raise and lower the bucket slide or crane without necessarily putting the niud-drum orlower huoketchain tumbler more or less in or out from the hull. By arranging the engine upon the crane-table it serves as a counter-balance to the forward part of the crane and t0 the work of the buckets in cutting the earth, and to the load carried by the buckets. By making the rack or track A beveled in the manner described I am not only enabled to use the yoke I in'the manner and for the purpose described, but the mud falling upon the track will have a tendency to slip over andso notimpede the work. By earrying the pipe T to a stuffing box, 8, arranged directly over the center on which the crane-table turns, and by carrying the pipe B from the engine and having it in communication with the same box, I am enabled to conduct steam to the engine, and at the same time permit the engine to be placed upon and carried by the crane-table in such a position thereon that it will act as a counter-balance in the manner already referred to. The knives F F, operating in conjunction with the rudder G, hold the boat in line after it has once been properly set or fed up to its work. The various other details of construction which I have shown and described may be varied or some of them be altogether omitted; but I deem their employment preferable,as they materially improve either the construction or operation of the machine.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A dredging-machine wherein an elevated receiving chute or hopper having a circular forward end is combined, substantially as described, with the upper support of a bucket chain, the said support being arranged forward of a plane passing vertically through the center on which the crane-table turns, for the purposes set forth.

2. A dredging-machine on each side of which are combined, substantially as specified, inclined pushers J J, having their pushing or working ends arrangedtoward the rearbnd of the scow, traveling carriages K K, having the upper ends of the said pushers pivoted or hinged thereto, tracks or ways L L, supporting the said carriages, ropes or cables M M, connected to the said carriages, and wheels or drums N N, supporting the said chains and in operative connection with mechanism for rotating the crane-table, for the purposes speeified.

3. The combination,in a dredging machine, of the feeders or pushers J J and the rudder G, having thereon a flange or plate, 5/, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

4. The combination, in a dredgingmachinc, of the rocking or tilting yoke I, the rack-shaft O, turning or hearing in the said yoke, and' having thereon the fixed wheel J and removable pinion F, the guides d d, and the rack U, having its teeth inclined in the direction of the shaft or hearing on which the said yoke is mounted, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

5. The combination. in a dredging-machine, of the crane-wheels B B, having \I-grooved perimeters, the track A, beveled in both directions to correspond to the bevel of the said wheels, the rack U, having inclined teeth or cogs, and the pinion F on the rack-shaft, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

6. In a dredging-machine bucket-chain, the

combination of the links in, having holes a ingmachine, of the vertically adjustable knives or runners F F and the rudder G, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as r 5 my own I hereunto ai'fix my signature in presenee of two witnesses.

KENNARD KNOTT.

Witnesses:

HENRY FRANKFURTER, ADDIE HUSZAGH. 

